Can I really use my digital TV without a converter?

Yes. Almost all digital TV sets now include a QAM tuner. A QAM tuner can find and display all of the non-scrambled TV networks and music channels we provide as part of Basic Cable. You just need to learn how to use your TV set. It is important to note that some digital sets do not have the proper tuner or software to find all digital channels. There is nothing we can do to change that. You might want to ask a salesperson about the capabilities of a digital TV set if you plan to use it without a converter to avoid an unpleasant surprise.

Do all digital TV sets work without a converter?

No. All digital TV sets work well with a converter. However, when used without a converter, some sets work well and some work very poorly. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. It also varies from model year to model year. We won’t recommend one manufacturer over another. However, you should ask your retailer about how well the set works without a converter if that is how you plan to use it.

How can Massillon Cable TV and Clear Picture do this when others can’t?

Satellite and telephone-based systems are just different from our broadband system. We send all of the available signals to you at once. Add to that our desire to give you the choice about how you can use your TV set. Many providers simply don’t want to give you that choice. We do. Finally, we successfully completed a lot of hard work to include special information on all cable channels so your new digital TV can properly find and display digital channels without a converter.

What can a converter deliver that my TV can’t receive on its own?

Converters can provide a lot of benefits.

• First, they deliver many more program options. More than 250 channels of programming are available. Click here for more information. Converters also provide access to Video On Demand, including many free programs from your favorite networks and local sports contests.
• Converters deliver a lot more HD, most of it at no extra charge. You can enjoy up to 80 different channels in HD. Most of those are included as part of Basic Cable. All you need is a converter. Many more are included with Basic Plus and premium movie channels at no extra charge. All you need is a converter. Click here for a complete list of all HD channels.
• A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is the most popular feature on new converters. A DVR puts you in control. You can record two shows while watching another and schedule recordings of your favorite series in advance. You also can control live TV with Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward and instant replay functions at the touch of a button.
• Converters also provide a powerful Interactive Program Guide (IPG). The Guide helps you search for programs, provides descriptions of shows and helps you easily find what you want.
• With Home Phone service, a converter can display Caller ID information on Screen.
• Converters also allow you to control your family viewing with convenient Parental Controls.

What is available on my digital TV set without a converter?

Without a converter most digital TV sets can receive:

• 95 Basic Cable channels (link to lineup).
• Ten of the Basic Cable channels are automatically delivered in HD (link to lineup).
• 45 non-commercial music channels (link to lineup).

It is easy to use because all of the video and music channels:

• Appear in the same theme-based lineup and have the same channel number as a converter.
• Are labeled on screen.

What do I need to do?

Learn how to complete a channel scan on your digital TV set. This function varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Please consult your Owners Manual or the retail store where you purchased the TV set. It is very important that you learn how to successfully complete a channel scan.

How will I know when I need to rescan my TV set?

We have created a Digital TV Owner list. We notify everyone on this list anytime we make a change that will require a rescan of digital TV sets. You can add your email address or telephone number to this list by calling the office (Stark County – 330-833-4134, Wayne County – 330-345-8114).

How will I tune my digital TV after I complete a channel scan?

Digital tuning is a little different. Digital numbers include a dash (-) or dot (.). For example, WKYC HD is 3-1 or 3.1. ESPN is 27-1 or 27.1 and so forth. The channel numbers are the same as they appear on a converter with a dash or dot followed by the number 1.

Tuning varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most digital TV sets include a remote control with a dash (-) or a dot (.) and you must enter the entire number (3-1 for example). Other sets automatically add the -1 so you only need to enter the primary number (like 3). You need to read your Owners Manual to know for sure. This is different, but it typically very easy once you try it.

Why do I need to rescan from time to time?

There are two reasons why a rescan is needed from time to time.

• A rescan is needed because we have changed something here. Unlike analog tuners, a digital TV only remembers the frequencies it finds during a scan and ignores the rest. So, if we add a new network, the digital TV set will not find it until a scan is conducted. Then, it will remember. Similarly, if we move a network, that same digital TV set will keep looking for it in the old location. It won’t find it until the set rescans and finds the new location.
• We don’t know why, but some sets just seem to lose their memory every once in a while. Even though no changes have been made here, some sets will lose access to a series of channels. A rescan will restore them, but we don’t understand the cause. This, again, is related to the differences among individual TV sets and is beyond our control.

What if a channel scan doesn’t work?

Sometimes a digital set misses some of the channels during a scan. We don’t know why. Please take these steps if a rescan doesn’t find all networks.

• Try again. Make careful notes about which services are missing and then conduct another channel scan. Check again to see if all services are now present.
• Request a Service Call. It is possible that some wires or fittings in your home need to be replaced or repaired. We will be happy to do that.
• Contact the TV dealer that sold you the TV set or the manufacturer. There are hundreds of different types of digital TV sets. Your TV dealer or manufacturer should have further knowledge about how it works best.
• Install a converter. Some digital TV sets just plain don’t work well without a converter. In these cases, a converter is the only way to avoid frustration.

Why does Massillon Cable TV and Clear Picture make changes?

There are several reasons why we make changes to digital channels.

• To add or remove program networks. We regularly add new networks, including HD networks. The only way for a digital TV to find them is to rescan.
• To comply with federal regulations.
• To use the broadband spectrum most efficiently.

Why can’t I have all the HD channels without a converter?

That would be the ideal situation. Unfortunately, cable TV networks (like CNN, ESPN and Nickelodeon) require us to scramble their HD networks. They are concerned about piracy and duplication of their HD programs. The only way to unscramble them is with a converter.

Why don’t converters need to scan or rescan?

Converters include a channel map. The channel map tells the converter where each network is located. We can change the channel map remotely so scanning is not necessary.